FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stormy Conditions Keep Emergency Telecommunicators Busy

COLUMBIA, MO (July 8, 2014) -

High winds and heavy rain combined to create numerous incidents accidents across Columbia and Boone County Monday evening.

Boone County Public Safety Joint Communications Emergency Telecommunicators processed 276 calls from residents between 11:00 p.m. Monday and 1:00 a.m. Tuesday. During the peak of the storm's movement through Boone County, all 9-1-1 lines were inundated with calls from residents.

PSJC reminds residents that when they call 9-1-1 to NOT hang up until they have spoken to the telecommunicator. Hanging up before contact will only tie up the phone line, until a telecommunicator can reestablish contact with the caller.

During severe weather, residents are reminded to report power outages by contacting Columbia Water and Light at (573) 875-2555 or Boone Electric at (573) 449-4181. To report non-injury incidents and damage, call the PSJC non-emergency line at (573) 442-6131.

Residents are also reminded to tune to local media or NOAA Weather Radio for updated weather information. PSJC will provide updates on traffic and weather conditions as needed through Nixle alerts (www.nixle.com), the PSJC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/psjc911), or the PSJC Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/psjc911).